Digital forensics and the DSAR effect

The digital forensics field has seen much evolution over the last thirty years. Methods for data extraction and protocols for accuracy and admissibility are the cornerstones on which the field is based. Recently these protocols have been used for responses to data subject access requests (DSARs). The cost to an organisation of servicing DSARs can run into millions of Euro per year. Every organisation working with EU citizens is affected. Their far-reaching scope, cost and the penalties for non-compliance have stimulated the development of solutions addressing this regulatory requirement. This paper charts the evolution of the DSAR process and how improvements have in turn led to the advancement of the digital forensics field itself. © 2021, @ ERA.